Two men have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter as detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a 22-year-old soldier whose body was recovered from the River Tyne.
Liam Potts, 22, was found in the river on Tuesday after being reported missing following a night out with friends on Saturday, 15 August.
His disappearance prompted a major search operation around Wylam before police divers recovered a body from the river.
Detectives investigate events before Liam entered the river
Police are now examining whether events surrounding a disturbance at The Boathouse pub and a subsequent collision on Wylam Bridge may have contributed to Liam entering the water.
The collision involved a vehicle and a group of pedestrians and left a man and woman, both in their 20s, seriously injured.
Their injuries were not considered life-threatening. The woman has since been discharged from hospital, while the man remains receiving medical treatment.
Crucially, investigators have confirmed that Liam was not inside the vehicle and was not struck by it.
He was last seen leaving Wylam Bridge on foot shortly after the collision.
When the body was initially recovered, officers said there was no indication of third-party involvement.
However, further enquiries have led detectives to investigate whether there was any connection between the earlier events and Liam subsequently entering the River Tyne.
Two men re-arrested
Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team has taken over the investigation.
On Saturday, 22 August, two men, aged 22 and 23, were re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Both remain in police custody while enquiries continue.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rachael Rutherford said:
“Our thoughts remain with Liam’s family during this difficult time.
“The facts remain the same that Liam was on the bridge at the time of the collision, but he was not an occupant of the vehicle and was not struck by the vehicle.
“Enquiries have revealed that Liam, for reasons yet to be established, entered the water within minutes of the collision.
“We have therefore made the further re-arrests as we are looking to establish whether there is any link between the collision and Liam entering the water.”
Det Insp Rutherford also urged people not to speculate about the circumstances while detectives continue working to establish what happened.
Family pay emotional tribute to ‘Pottsy’
Formal identification of the body is still due to take place, but Liam’s family have paid an emotional tribute to the young soldier.
They described him as “the heart and soul of any room”, adding:
“Once you met Pottsy, you could never forget him.”
The family thanked relatives, friends, members of the public and volunteers who helped during the search, as well as Northumbria Police and the force’s diving team who recovered Liam from the river.
Police appeal continues
Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses and information which could help establish Liam’s movements and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police through the force’s website or social media channels, or by calling 101, quoting reference NP-20260814-0016.
The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation and no charges have been brought.
